California to Annapolis

iquilt888 wrote:
I'm planning on heading to Annapolis next Spring. Even though it is a long ways off I'm beginning to try to figure out the best way to get there.

The trip east will have to be extra quick, no time for lolly gagging about. The trip back west is a horse of a different color. I plan on taking it easy and taking in the sights.

Does any one know which is the better route Interstate 80, 70, or 40? I will be leaving from northern CA. I'll be driving a 32', Class A motor home.

Thanks so much for any advice you have to offer.

Spring is a great time to make the trip, weather, as always will need to be taken into consideration -- Road construction is another issue and last I always look into the tolls that I might encounter along the route. IMHO 80 has a number of issues, TRUCKS are number one -- number two is the general condition of the roads, truck ruts and older concrete joints, these are so bad we avoid 80 at all costs -- when you get back east tolls become a factor, but the roads are a little better.

This would be my preferred route, based on 30 years of travel back and forth. From Redding to Salt Lake will be the first leg, once you leave California the trip is not that exciting. Not totally understanding your time line, if this were me, even in a hurry, I would check the weather and try to make the run down 191 to I-70 and at least have a little something to look at till you land in Denver. From here we would head out 70 to Byers, CO and catch 36 to Hannibal, a little bit of the Road in Colorado is not perfect, but there is little traffic and not a boring Interstate, through Kansas and Missouri the road is Excellent, just not an interstate, with a lot less truck traffic. From Hannibal we head to Champagne, IL, then through Indianapolis to Columbus. Next through Morgantown WV on the way to Annapolis(70-79-68-70-97) I always take this route, as, IMHO, 70 through PA is a pain, Heavy truck traffic - tight curvy road (Great in a sports car) and tolls.

Now that's how I'd do it, I have driven all of the routes you mentioned and this is my favorite route to and from the Rockies.

If you want to get real replies on the trip back I would start a new thread that addresses the time and you will travel and the amount of time you will have. Unless you are military (I think USNA has a Military CG across the River) the best and only CG is the KOA in Millersville, once you arrive in Annapolis.

Hope this is of some help.

BOL,